Dr Jill's Latex Free Gel Ball of Foot Pads cushions the ball of foot or off-loads metatarsal heads depending whether you put pad directly on top of ball of foot or behind ball of foot. If you do not have a Podiatrist and using the Regular Thickness for general cushioning for standing long hours or any cushioning, you can place them directly ON the painful area. This applies only to REGULAR thickness. For the extra thick it can be placed directly on the ball of the foot, but many doctors may direct you to place it behind. Can also use in the arch area or anyplace else needed on the foot.